November 16^th is a UN designated day for tolerance. In 1996 for the first time the activities related to this day were observed.

 The initiative taken by UNESCO was taken forward by a 2005 World Summit where Heads of State and Government were invited to hold a dialogue to support co-operation, respect and understanding amongst the different cultures and civilizations worldwide.

However, when I come across the word tolerance, I imagine this to be a quality of a patient, wise and an accepting individual. An individual, who listens, understands diversity in beings respects human sentiments and is accepting with a sense of informed responsibility.

Knowing such virtues are instinctively associated to such a quality the impact of this characteristic tends to foster an amiable environment. Every act, spoken word and expression demands its freedom, provided it doesn’t violate human rights and sentiments through such freedom.

Unfortunately, this is not always taken up responsibly. So what happens next entirely depends upon the reaction it receives, one which may trigger unfavorable consequences with no resolution.

A general truth however, shows that tolerance may be inapplicable in many instances. Thus understanding the fine line of matters which can be tolerated has to be viewed sensitively, especially when they involve religion, social, cultural and ethnic disparities.

How tolerance is perceived at its threshold should not really be tested, in case it falls by the way side.

We come across many avoidable and unpleasant encounters daily, which not always necessarily demand a response or where intended silence can be more effective, but to be able to curb a reaction can truly be a test of one’s self control and composure.

If such a check can be practiced by society at large, violent outbursts, destruction, chaos and loss of lives can be avoided.

Peace and love are basic yet most difficult to achieve. Every single individual with their acts and words, big or small makes a difference, then why shouldn’t that difference be made for the good?

With just one minute’s patience to quietly reason out the response to  a dispute can make a marked difference. let’s begin with listening for that too is an underestimated yet an appreciable quality that can develop tolerance in a person, as well in the society as a whole.